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Broadening and Narrowing Vocabulary
Earlier we discussed narrowing and broadening a research question. Vocabulary can also be broadened or narrowed to find different types of sources. This chart suggests some alternative vocabulary for the following research question:
"Should Native Americans practice religious and social customs that violate local and Federal laws? "
| Keyword(s) | Broader | Related | Narrower |
|---|---|---|---|
| Native Americans | Indigenous peoples, North American history | Indians, Amerinds, North American Indians | Yurok, Hupa, Karuk, Wiyot, Tolowa, etc. |
| Customs | Social systems, anthropology | Marriage, social relations, spirituality, rites and ceremonies, religion, culture | Lodge house(s), hunting, fishing, dances, etc. |
| Law | Criminal justice, U.S. Constitution, constitutional law | Legislation, crimes, treaty rights | Bureau of Indian Affairs, NAGPRA (Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act ), cases (e.g. Jessie Short) |